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Donors supercharge scholarships during ‘Act for Art’

488 people gave during the three-day fundraising event earlier this month, providing $207,000 in financial aid for student scholarships.

Student volunteers host the Act for Art kick-off party on May 3, 2023.

Student volunteers host the Act for Art kick-off party in the Dennison Center on May 3, 2023. 

Thanks to the commitment of many dedicated supporters, the third annual Act for Art Giving Days was a powerful groundswell of support for young artists and their families. Thank you to all who gave: your contributions are a testament to the generosity of this community, and the desire to invest in the future of the arts. Working together, donors raised over $207,000 to support students’ financial aid needs in the coming Camp and Academy year.

110 energetic volunteers (almost twice the amount of previous years) created peer-to-peer campaigns, made videos, posted on social media, pledged seed or challenge gifts, and helped in the thanking effort. Current and former Arts Academy students and parents, Arts Camp alumni and parents, faculty and staff, and various volunteer groups including the Interlochen Annual Fund Committee (interested in joining? let us know.) and the Interlochen Engagement Council all participated. Coming from all ages, all backgrounds, and all geographies, these volunteers worked together to rally the worldwide Interlochen community.

In total, 488 people came together in three short days to give young artists the life-changing experience that is Interlochen. Here are just a few of the heartfelt and inspiring messages we received during the Act for Art Giving Days:

As a young artist who never quite felt like he fit in at the schools where I grew up, Interlochen was like a dream come true. It felt like coming home. It felt like I actually belonged. It was like I was finally appreciated and seen for the first time in my life, honestly. It helped instill confidence in myself—a belief that I truly had something of value to offer the world and that if I just followed my heart and lived my purpose to use my talents to create art, that those efforts would pay off-–not just for my own heart and soul, but for others who would recognize and understand what I was doing. I hope this gift helps another young artist on their OWN path of artistic self discovery and fulfillment.

Lito Velasco (IAA 88-92)

We are so grateful to both Interlochen Arts Academy and Camp for helping our son find his calling as an orchestral musician!

Gaye Gronlund & Bruce Corner, alumni parents

Interlochen opened my eyes to the possibilities I could be. And I will be forever grateful!

Alissa Green (IAC 99)

Giving the gift of art is investing in a future of inspiring and beautiful moments.

Bessie Bone, alumni parent

I dreamed of coming to Interlochen as a kid. I finally get to be here as an employee. Every day I try to do my part to make the dream come true for all the kids out there searching for a place to belong.

Eveann Meerhof, employee

Thank you for coming together to make Act for Art a success for young artists and their big dreams.